Risk factors

There are a number of risk factors for CKD, some that you can control such as smoking, and others that you cannot, such as aging.

People with diabetes, high blood pressure or who have a family history of kidney disease are at increased risk of developing CKD.

Children who are born with kidneys that did not develop properly are also at risk.

In addition, people of Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian, Pacific Island, African/Caribbean and Hispanic descent are at higher risk for CKD.

You may develop kidney disease even if you do not fall into one of these groups. Recent estimates suggest that as many as two million Canadians have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or are at risk for it—most are unaware of it.

If you are over the age of 50 or fall into any of the aforementioned risk categories ask your doctor for a blood test. One simple test will indicate what is your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or kidney function level.